RECOIL OFFGRID Gear Auxiliary Pocket Bowie Folder Review
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Auxiliary Manufacturing has done a great job translating the fixed blade version of the Pocket Bowie into a practical folder that is designed to tackle the same tasks. While folding knives have their inherent limitations when it comes to some hard-use tasks, neither the original fixed blade or the folding version of the Pocket Bowie were designed to be a hard-use survival knives — both are designed to be capable EDC knife with some viable self-defense features and both variants deliver in a big way.
The Pocket Bowie became an instant classic thanks to the ergonomic handle design, aggressive piercing point, compact size, and surprising utilitarian functionality in everyday tasks. This led to several new knives including the larger Pocket Bowie XL and several different blade styles using the Pocket Bowie’s coffin-shaped handle. The innovation did not stop there, and Jarvis unveiled the latest version of his Pocket Bowie at BLADE Show Atlanta 2025: the Pocket Bowie Folding Knife.
The Pocket Bowie Folder design incorporates many of the unique elements found in Auxiliary Manufacturing’s fixed blade Pocket Bowie that made it so popular — including the iconic coffin handle shape, aggressive piercing point, and utilitarian blade grind. Jarvis packs these popular features into a premium folding knife that is as classy looking as it is functional.
The Pocket Bowie Folder has a remarkably similar footprint to its fixed blade predecessor, coming in roughly a quarter-inch longer for a total length of 6.53 inches. The 2.77-inch clip-point blade is made from premium M390 steel known for both its exceptional edge retention and corrosion resistance. The blade is available in either an uncoated satin finish or a durable black diamond like coating (DLC).
The handle is made from aircraft-grade titanium with milled texture pattern. Depending on the variant, the Pocket Bowie Folder handle comes with either a Micarta or carbon-fiber inlay. The lock side features a titanium pocket clip that can be moved to the “show side” to accommodate left-handed users.
The Pocket Bowie Folder’s blade is deployed using a flipper tab. When flipped open the blade hits an over-travel stop pin, and a frame-lock mechanism will keep the blade open when in use. The frame lock features a steel reinforcement bar that prevents premature wear on the titanium frame when contacting the back of the blade — while unlikely, the lock bar insert can be replaced if damaged or worn down.
Just looking at the Pocket Bowie Folder, it is clearly a good-looking knife, but all these features go well beyond good looks — they provide excellent functionality in both everyday use and self-defense scenarios.
Clip-point blades are known for their ability to pierce, and more specifically their efficiency in piercing body tissue — which is why clip points are commonly found on both hunting and combat knives. Naturally, a clip point is a good choice for a self-defense knife, but the trade off from that piercing prowess is a more delicate tip when compared to more utilitarian-tip styles. Jarvis combats this with the long swooping swedge that begins just after the blade’s thumb rest. While at first glance this may look like a purely stylistic decision, the swedge helps provide a bit more material to reinforce the tip without negatively impacting its piercing performance.
The blade grind features an upward sweep toward the front providing a good length of belly that makes slicing tasks easier — yet another reason why bowie-style blades can often be found in hunting knives. While most of us will not find ourselves processing game with a folding knife, most of us will perform slicing tasks on a regular basis and it is good to have a capable backup meat-processing blade when venturing into the wilderness.
When it comes to steel, M390 is an excellent choice for folding knives, as it has excellent retention and corrosion resistance. While not as tough as some carbon steel options, it is more than tough enough to handle folding knife tasks. As with all steel types, there are trade-offs for the benefits. While M390 features excellent edge retention, it is more difficult to sharpen than carbon steel and lower-end stainless steel options. M390 is also more costly and harder to machine, which drives the overall cost of producing the knife up.
The Pocket Bowie’s coffin-shaped handle is another feature that is not just for aesthetics. With a relatively short handle, some people will have a hard time getting a full grip on the Pocket Bowie. Thankfully, the well-thought-out handle alleviates any potential issues as the wide butt end of the handle locks into the meat of your palm, providing positive retention and control in a variety of utilitarian and defensive grip styles.
When it comes to handle material, titanium is often the choice among high-end folders. Some of the advantages are obvious, such as it is lighter than steel and more durable than aluminum, wood, and polymer. Like the choice of steel, titanium is not without its drawbacks, as it is more costly when compared to other handle material choices and can show surface scratches more readily than other materials.
The flipper tab opening of the Pocket Bowie folder allows for a quick one-handed opening, an important feature when considering a folding knife for self-defense or emergency use. Like most flippers, the blade is held shut when not in use by a detent ball that requires a certain amount of force to “break” the hold. The detent on the Pocket Bowie is a bit on the stiffer side, meaning a bit more force needs to be applied to the flipper tab to open it. It is not so stiff that it is difficult to open, but if you are not familiar with flipper tab knives, it will take some time to get the process down — but like anything you should train with your tool. The lock engages smoothly and is easy to disengage one handed with a bit of practice. The included lock bar insert is a welcome addition, as it will extend the life of the lock bar over time of repeated opening and closing and ensure the lockup is solid for years to come.
The Pocket Bowie Folder is an excellent EDC knife that could be relied upon in a self-defense situation in properly trained hands. The lightweight nature and compact size of the Pocket Bowie Folder make it easy to carry in nearly all everyday situations. Its premium fit and finish allow it to fit in well in public places and does not give off the appearance of being a tactical knife at first glance.
From a performance standpoint the blade is more than capable of tackling any typical daily tasks you could throw at it. The Pocket Bowie Folder came sharp out of the box and cut through cardboard, cordage, and assorted plastic packaging with ease — all while maintaining a great edge through months of daily use.
When looking at self-defense applications the Pocket Bowie Folder is well suited for the task. In pocket it is unassuming and discreet. The blade, while just shy of 3 inches, provides a clip point that is designed for piercing. Blade deployment is fast and deliberate with no finger slip on the flipper tab thanks to the jimping. The Pocket Bowie Folders’ handle locks into the palm well to ensure positive retention during high pressure situations.
The Pocket Bowie Folder packs in exceptional design features for its intended purpose coupled with high-end materials and excellent fit and finish that make it a solid fit for just about any user. It is small enough to be carried in most jurisdictions, and it is unassuming in the pocket that I would feel completely comfortable carrying into a business meeting.
Ultimately, the Pocket Bowie Folder is a great option for anyone who is looking for a solid EDC Knife that can also double as a discreet and functional self-defense option. It is an impressive first folding knife for Auxiliary Manufacturing, and it is just the beginning as plans for additional variants like an XL version, a slip joint variant, and a budget-oriented option coming in the next year.
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Editor’s Note: This article has been modified from its original version for the web.
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